August 13, Fly Fishing Report – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
August in the Smokies brings warm summer days, cooler nights in the higher elevations, and the kind of soft mountain light that makes every pool, riffle, and bend in the river look like a scene from a painting. The park’s streams run low and clear this time of year, and the forest canopy hangs lush and green over ribbons of cool, tumbling water. In the quiet hours of morning or evening, the sound of a mountain stream blends with the distant calls of thrushes and the rustle of wind through the hemlocks—a reminder that fly fishing here is as much about peace as it is about trout.
Stream Conditions
Water temperatures in the lower elevations can creep up in the afternoons, so the best fishing is often early and late in the day. Midday anglers will do best heading higher into the mountains where small, lively brook trout keep feeding in the cooler flows. Wading wet is refreshing, and slipping into a shaded run feels like stepping into another season entirely. Plenty of afternoon showers have kept streams cool and water flows perfect.
Popular Streams for August
- Deep Creek – Rising from the high ridges near Clingmans Dome, Deep Creek’s upper sections stay pleasantly cool even during August heat. The upper two miles above the campground are home to wild rainbow and brown trout in a series of boulder-filled runs, plunge pools, and shaded glides. Insects here are plentiful, but terrestrials take center stage this month. Downstream, in the middle reaches, you’ll find bigger pools that hold some surprising fish for those who approach quietly.
- Little River – Tremont Section – A summertime favorite for its easy access and classic Smokies pocket water. The boulder gardens here create a series of short, turbulent runs where trout feed opportunistically all day long. Early mornings bring steady dry fly action, while midday calls for terrestrials twitched along the edges. Rainbows dominate, but the very upper forks hold native brook trout.
- Oconaluftee River – The “Luftee” is broad, beautiful, and offers varied water for anglers of all skill levels. Its mainstem through the park holds healthy numbers of rainbows and browns, with the occasional brookie up high. This is a great river for dry-dropper fishing in August, especially in the soft pockets behind boulders and under the shade of overhanging limbs. Elk are often spotted along the banks, adding to the scenery.
- Cataloochee Creek – A peaceful, remote stream that feels far removed from the bustle of the outside world. The lower section near the campground offers wider, slower runs ideal for hopper-dropper setups, while the upstream forks tumble through dense rhododendron, holding a mix of rainbows and brook trout. The shaded environment and elevation keep the water cool, making it one of the more consistent August producers.
- Abrams Creek – Known for its tricky, clear water and larger brown trout, Abrams demands stealth and finesse in summer. Early morning spinner falls or a precisely placed beetle along the undercut banks can produce heart-pounding takes. This is a technical but rewarding option for experienced anglers.
Hatch Chart for August
| Time of Day | Insect Activity | Size |
| Morning | Little Yellow Sallies | #12-18 |
| Morning-Midday | Blue-winged Olives (sporadic) | #18-20 |
| All Day | Ants & Beetles (Terrestrials) | #14-18 |
| Midday-Evening | Grasshoppers | #10-14 |
| Evening | Light Cahills | #14-16 |
| Evening | Caddis (Tan & Olive) | #14-18 |
Recommended Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies: Parachute Adams #16–18, Yellow Stimulator #14–16, Light Cahill #14–16, Elk Hair Caddis #14–18.
- Terrestrials: Foam Beetle #14–16, Hi-vis Black Ant #14–16, Dave’s Hopper #10–12.
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #16–18, Hare’s Ear #14–18, Green Weenie #14–16, Prince Nymph #14–16.
- Dry-Dropper Setup: Pair a small terrestrial or Stimulator with a beadhead nymph 18–24 inches below for covering both surface and sub-surface feeders.
Guide’s Tip – August Success Strategies
- Beat the Heat: Fish from sunrise to about 10 a.m., then again in the last two hours before dark. Midday, head to higher elevations above 3,000 feet where brook trout stay active.
- Stealth Matters: Low summer flows mean trout are spooky—approach from downstream, keep a low profile, and use longer leaders with lighter tippet (6X or 7X).
- Terrestrial Time: August is peak season for ants, beetles, and hoppers. Drift them close to undercut banks, grassy edges, and shaded pockets.
- Watch the Water: On hot afternoons, you’ll often see trout rise in shaded plunge pools even when other stretches seem lifeless. Spend more time in those areas rather than covering every inch of water.
- Stay Cool, Stay Safe: Wet wading is perfect this time of year, but always carry a small thermometer. If water temps exceed 68°F, let the fish rest and explore the scenery instead.
On the Water
The beauty of fishing the Smokies in August isn’t just in the fish you might catch—it’s in the experience of stepping into the shade of a rhododendron tunnel, feeling cold water swirl around your legs, and watching wild trout dart from beneath mossy stones. The dappled sunlight, the smell of damp earth, and the occasional glimpse of a deer or black bear along the bank make each outing feel timeless. Here, in this protected wilderness, the rivers run much the same as they did hundreds of years ago, and the rhythm of the current has a way of slowing your own.